Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov told agent to ‘**** off’ when he heard of Manchester City interest

‘F**K OFF’

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker could have gone to the Etihad, but chose instead to sign for their local rivals instead

Dimitar Berbatov has revealed he told his agent to ‘f**k off’ when he proposed a move to Manchester City over rivals United.

In 2008, the Bulgaria international was one of the most sought-after players in the world after his dazzling skills at Tottenham Hotspur projected him into the limelight.

Berbatov became a hit at Old Trafford with United fans

The time came when he decided to make the step up, with both City and United keen on signing him on deadline day in 2008.

Having just been taken over by Sheikh Mansour, the Citizens were looking to make another serious statement having signed Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea for a British record £32.5million.

However, they were to have no such luck with Berbatov. He explained to FourFourTwo how, despite being offered more money at the Etihad, it was a boyhood dream to sign for United.

“I don’t think it was that close, to be honest. My agent told me about some interest but I said, ‘Don’t even bother mentioning anyone else, I’m going to Man United,’ because of the history, the players, the tradition, everything.

His silky skills and clinical finishing endeared him to the Red Devils faithful

“I think it was the night before City signed Robinho from Real Madrid and my agent said, ‘Berba, there’s another team in for you’. I said, ‘F*ck off, we’re going to Man United’. He said, ‘But they’ll give you more money!

“It’s not all about the money sometimes, though. I was like a horse with blinkers. For me it was the right decision because going to the top of the mountain was my dream, especially when you come from Eastern Europe, from a small town, and no one’s done it before you. It was a great feeling.”

Although he has no regrets about joining the Premier League champions at the time, Berbatov admitted there was some unease at the way he left Spurs that August.

However, the swaggering hitman concedes joining United was an easy decision in the end.

“It’s difficult,” he added.“You see it all the time with players moving clubs. In my case it was me simply following my path, because ever since I was a small boy, I’d always imagined playing for the biggest club in the world.

“When that moment arrived I know a lot of people were angry with my choice, but I needed to follow my path.”